Rugby: Bournemouth boosted by former Toulon prodigy Berthonneau

BOURNEMOUTH director of rugby Budge Pountney has thrown down the gauntlet to new signing and hot prospect Georges Berthonneau.

The flexible 20-year-old winger, full-back or centre this week arrived at Chapel Gate on the back of a spell in France with the academy of European champions Toulon before a similar stint with Premiership club London Irish.

Berthonneau signed for National One outfit Esher earlier this season but found his first-team opportunities limited, prompting Pountney to swoop for his services.

Discussing Berthonneau, who has been named in Lions’ squad to face Redruth tomorrow, Pountney told the Daily Echo: “Georges comes from a good stock. He is a strong lad with good acceleration and has a good rugby brain.

“He has all the attributes to go far but after not getting a lot of game time the onus is really on him to make the most of this opportunity.

“We expect him to be a bit rusty to begin with because he has not played for a few weeks. He just has to recognise how much he is capable of and put it into action.